J.J. Watt trying to motivate out-of-shape rookie

Rookies D.J. Swearinger and Sam Montgomery, high school teammates in South Carolina, were supposed to be reunited as Texans this season, but Montgomery has been placed on the PUP list for the worst possible reason: He didn’t report in shape.

Both Swearinger and the NFL’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year, said they’ve spoken with Montgomery and expect to get him on the right track.

“I told him he needed to step it up,” Swearinger said. “It’s disappointing to be on that list. Sam’s older than me, but he looks to me as sort of a big brother and he said he’d step it up.”

Watt said, “I’ve talked to Sam. We’ve had conversations. We’re going to get him right, don’t worry. He’s got the athletic talent and ability. It’s my job as a veteran leader to instill the drive and the work ethic.”